The United states State Department has sanctioned the potential sale of 100 Boeing-made Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems to Taiwan in a deal that has a potential value of up to USD2.37 billion, the Pentagon said on Monday. The acton comes days after the State Department approved the potential sale of 3 other weapons systems to Taiwan, including missiles, sensors, and artillery that could have a total value of USD1.8 bn, which prompted a sanctions threat from China.

On Monday in Beijing, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman told reporters China will impose sanctions on Lockheed Martin, Boeing Defense, Raytheon and other US companies it states are occupied in Washington's arms sales to Taiwan. US State Dept spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement that they e deplore Beijing’s efforts to retaliate against US and foreign cos for their sales that support Taiwan’s legitimate self-defense requirements.

Monday's official notifications to Congress by the State Dept covered the proposed sale of up to 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems which includes 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Surface Launched Missiles to serve as coastal defense cruise missiles. The US actions come as the Trump admn amps up pressure on China in the run up to the November 3 presidential poll and concerns grows about Beijing's intentions toward Taiwan. Beijing sees Taiwan as a renegade province that it has vowed to reunite with the mainland, by force if required.

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